Assemblymen Herb Conaway Jr. and Troy Singleton (both D-Burlington) on Wednesday announced that the Burlington County Community Action Program will receive a $194,695 grant to help reduce household energy costs for low-income residents of the county.
“With the winter months approaching, many New Jersey families will see their utility bills increase as temperatures decrease,” said Conaway. “This funding will alleviate some of the financial strain on those residents with the most need for assistance.”
“Overwhelming utility costs can force the unemployed, the underemployed and senior citizens living on a fixed income to forgo power so that they can buy a prescription or choose between having heat and going hungry,” said Singleton. “Low-income families in Burlington County will find some relief in this award, which will help them manage their energy costs and stay safe and healthy in their homes.”
The award is made available via the state’s Universal Service Fund program, which aims to ensure that eligible low-income New Jersey residents pay no more than 6 percent of their annual income for natural gas and electric service.